Happy Birthday, Carlie!

My baby turned two today, and we had a great time celebrating with her! She had an "Elmo Makes Music" party and had some of her little friends here, along with a lot of her family. She is not the biggest "party-er" of the family and wasn't sure why there was so much craziness in her house. About 30 minutes into the party, she brought me a book and went and sat in our usual "reading spot" just looking at me like "Get me out of here!" She did get into the music-playing part of the party and danced around with Kendyll. She loved her cupcake dessert, and then promptly asked if she could go watch Boz (her favorite movie). So, she definitely isn't the one who needs a huge shin-dig every year! But, it was fun to celebrate her two very full years of life and to see those friends and family who we love and who love Carlie.

It's hard to believe that two years ago at this time, I was recovering from labor for the second time, and feeling so much love for this tiny angel I held. I still remember so vividly how different it felt from holding Kendyll. I loved her with a completely different part of my heart, even though I was worried about finding enough love for two. Now, that is just a completely foreign thought to me! The night I had Carlie was just so peaceful. Mark and I were the only ones at the hospital, and the only ones AWAKE! (besides my sister Cassie who was in London at the time) She was born at 3:42 a.m. She was perfect and I remember every detail of the moment I met her. I also remember that I wasn't as worried about what to do or how to hold her or what was happening to my body like I was the first time with Kendyll. I was just wrapped up in her and who she was, what she looked like, and what her big sister thought of it all. Even my labor with Carlie seemed so much more relaxed. I knew what to expect and prayed throughout it all that she would be healthy and happy. And, she was. What an answered prayer little Carlie Reese was for us!

Carlie is so full of life. She's so entertaining to watch and so fun to have in our family. She has grown up so much in the last few months and I love hearing her talk with her sister, her baby dolls, on her pretend phone, and to the drive-thru operators. I love to hear her sing "Elmo's World", "You are Holy", "Jesus Loves Me", or the "ABC's", among many others that she loves. She loves playing tea party, baby dolls, and anything Dora or Elmo. But, she also loves throwing the ball, playing outside, rolling around, wrestling and running as fast as she can while screaming as loud as she can. She pretends anything is a "mommy", "daddy", and "baby", including her chicken nuggets, fruit snacks, crayons, or anything else she is holding.

She has perfect blonde curls (that I fear are slowly going straight!) and the biggest blue eyes that express all the things she can't say quite yet. She loves her sister "Tindull" and loves being at home with her family. She says "Shoo" and wipes her forehead every time we walk in the door, like "Man, it's good to be home!". Her new favorite phrases are "Woo Hoo, Yes!" and "Are you good?" This is my absolute favorite age because of how they change every day. These lists of what she loves, what she can do now, and what she says to us just keeps growing and I am so thankful for that.

I look forward to a great third year of many changes and lots of memories with our sweet girl. Carlie Reese, you are a blessing to us and we love you! Happy 2nd Birthday!!